Gassiev Knocks Out Pulev

Murat Gassiev knocked out Kubrat Pulev to secure the latter’s WBA Regular Heavyweight Title.

The early rounds were a cagey affair, with both fighters feeling each other out. Pulev was attempting to establish his jab, with the longer reach, to land his right hand. Meanwhile Gassiev focused on slipping the jab and closing the distance to land on the inside. As the fight progressed, Gassiev started to gain momentum. In the third round, Pulev landed a heavy right hand, but Gassiev immediately countered with a short right hook into the body.

This body shot became more succesful for Gassiev, who sometimes followed up with a right hand upstairs. Pulev attempted to open up more aggressively, varying his attack by throwing lefts and trying to loop rights behind them. Gassiev responded by letting an overhand right go, setting the stage for the KO. Gassiev led with a short left and followed with a left hook that caught Pulev flush. Pulev with the canvas, with the referee waiving the fight off.